The new weight loss program -- play video games!
Well, not exactly any video game. Specifically, the sports-oriented (boxing, bowling, tennis, baseball) video games for the new Wii Nintendo console.
According to the Associated Press article, "It's official. Wii use can cause weight loss,"
a 25 year old conducted an experiment for 6 weeks, during which he lost 9 pounds solely by playing with his new Wii system for 30 min a day, every day (he did not change his diet during this period). He even has a before and after picture on his blog www.wiinintendo.net and has been contacted by a fitness web site to help them create a Wii workout program.
Who says video games are just for couch potatoes? This is a great way to have fun, lose weight, and keep healthy --- without going to the gym.
We have to admit that Nintendo has really been thinking "out of the box" with their latest products -- with their Brain Age game for the DS console aimed at Boomers (to help them keep their minds sharp) and now with the Wii console which gets players OFF the couch and active. Nintendo has had similar products in the past with not-so-great success (anyone remember the Power Pad or the Power Glove?).
Third time's the charm, right?
Point is, Nintendo is not going after the traditional video gamers (as much) -- they don't want to compete with the other game consoles to see who could get the better game, better graphics, etc. (Because technology is advancing at such a rapid pace, why not focus on other important factors?) With the Wii console, they are focused on the gaming experience. With Brain Age, they are focused on giving their older (and former) players something fun while helping to stimulate their minds. (You really won't see many Boomers playing games like say, a game from the Final Fantasy series, even though it is mentally challenging).
We have to tip our hats off to Nintendo.
According to the Associated Press article, "It's official. Wii use can cause weight loss,"
a 25 year old conducted an experiment for 6 weeks, during which he lost 9 pounds solely by playing with his new Wii system for 30 min a day, every day (he did not change his diet during this period). He even has a before and after picture on his blog www.wiinintendo.net and has been contacted by a fitness web site to help them create a Wii workout program.
Who says video games are just for couch potatoes? This is a great way to have fun, lose weight, and keep healthy --- without going to the gym.
We have to admit that Nintendo has really been thinking "out of the box" with their latest products -- with their Brain Age game for the DS console aimed at Boomers (to help them keep their minds sharp) and now with the Wii console which gets players OFF the couch and active. Nintendo has had similar products in the past with not-so-great success (anyone remember the Power Pad or the Power Glove?).
Third time's the charm, right?
Point is, Nintendo is not going after the traditional video gamers (as much) -- they don't want to compete with the other game consoles to see who could get the better game, better graphics, etc. (Because technology is advancing at such a rapid pace, why not focus on other important factors?) With the Wii console, they are focused on the gaming experience. With Brain Age, they are focused on giving their older (and former) players something fun while helping to stimulate their minds. (You really won't see many Boomers playing games like say, a game from the Final Fantasy series, even though it is mentally challenging).
We have to tip our hats off to Nintendo.
posted by CareTALKGals(tm) at 1/20/2007 12:49:00 AM
1 Comments:
Nintendo ROCKS!
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